7 teams with the best shot at snagging Ruck twins during NHL Draft
They’re two of the most interesting players to follow heading into the 2026 NHL Draft.
Liam and Marcus Ruck both authored stellar seasons in the WHL in 2025-26. The twin brothers led the league in scoring and helped the Medicine Hat Tigers reach the Conference Finals, where they were eventually eliminated by Vancouver Canucks prospect Braeden Cootes and the Prince Albert Raiders.
Not only are they twin brothers who should both be gone sometime in the second round of the NHL draft, but apparently, they’ve actively been telling teams that they want to play together.
āIf any team wants the Rucksā¦ you have to go get both,ā James Tubb of theĀ Medicine Hat NewsĀ saidĀ on theĀ Locked On CanucksĀ podcast.
āThey are just better together. Why would anyone want to separate that? Itās chemistry that canāt be taught.ā
Considering their innate twin chemistry, drafting them together makes a ton of sense. But which teams have the best chance of pulling it off?
1. St. Louis Blues
- Own picks No. 11, 15, and 29
The St. Louis Blues are the only team in the NHL that currently owns three first-round picks.
They have the Colorado Avalanche’s first-round pick after trading Brayden Schenn to the New York Islanders at the deadline. The Isles previously had Colorado’s 2026 first-rounder due to the Brock Nelson trade in 2025.
St. Louis also snagged the Detroit Red Wings first round pick after Steve Yzerman made an ill-fated trade for 34-year-old defenceman Justin Faulk.
Liam is projected to go late-first round, while Marcus is projected as an early-to-middle second round pick. However, if the Blues like both players, they theoretically could be had with picks No. 15 and 29.
2. Washington Capitals
- Own picks No. 16 and 18
The Washington Capitals would have to be extremely bullish on both Ruck twins. If they are, then the Capitals own the best odds of drafting them.
Washington has their own first-round pick. They also got a first-rounder from the Anaheim Ducks following the John Carlson trade.
3. Vancouver Canucks
- Own picks No. 24, 33, and 41
There’s no sexier storyline than seeing the Ruck twins get drafted by the Vancouver Canucks.
Vancouver obviously rostered the most famous twin duo in NHL history. Not only are Henrik and Daniel Sedin Hall of Famers, but they now oversee the Canucks as co-presidents.
The Ruck twins were also born in Osoyoos, British Columbia, and grew up cheering for the Canucks.
If the Canucks select Liam Ruck with pick No. 24, their odds of drafting Marcus with either of their second-rounders would seemingly be high.
4. Pittsburgh Penguins
- Own picks No. 22, 39, and 54
Canucks fans rooting for the Ruck twins to come to Vancouver will likely pay close attention to what the Pittsburgh Penguins do with pick No. 22.
Pittsburgh is in a decent spot to draft the Ruck twins with picks No. 22 and 39. They also own pick No. 54, putting them in a spot to potentially trade up, if they see fit. It’s worth noting, however, that the Penguins opted to trade down and accumulate more picks during last year’s NHL draft.
5. Seattle Kraken
- Own picks No. 25 and 38
If the Canucks pass on Liam Ruck at No. 24, the Kraken could become a logical landing spot. Seattle has pick No. 25 following last year’s trade involving forwards Oliver Bjorkstrand and Yanni Gourde.
6. Calgary Flames
- Own picks No. 30, 35, 36, 51, and 55
No team has more picks in the first two rounds than the Calgary Flames. After owning the sixth overall pick in the draft, Calgary is slated to draft five times between picks No. 30 and 55.
If both Rucks are on the board by the time Calgary steps up, it might be inevitable that they become Flames. Heck, that’s what some mock drafts are already predicting.
Based on the amount of draft capital Calgary holds, they’re also in a position to trade up to snag the Rucks, if they choose to do so.
7. Chicago Blackhawks
- Own picks No. 34, 37, and 45
Of all teams on this list, the Chicago Blackhawks have the biggest uphill battle at selecting both Ruck twins.
But don’t count them out completely.
Not only does Chicago have three picks in the first half of the second round, but they have a ton of excess draft capital, along with a deep prospect pool, to help facilitate a trade.